Absolutely fuming - got to undead burg and am at the second bonfire. I battle my way through to the merch and replenish firebombs, battle my way through to the demon and he just keeps killing me. I'm SL7. I have titanite but I can't figure out how to upgrade my weapon, when I go to use it nothing happens - it doesn't seem to take off as much energy as I'd hope (currently using 80 scimitar).
My strategy is OK, I figure I'll start with plunging attack then dodge his attacks and run in to get a few jabs in. A bit like the tutorial boss. However, my player doesn't seem fast enough to nip in, get a decent strike then back off, I also can't seem to get round him easily, keep getting stuck in his crotch. I'll get there but I had to quit five minutes ago. It's frustratingly excellent and I like the challenge but feel underpowered.
Are you talking about the Black Knight, or Havel?
If you're talking about the knight, you can cheese him from the area that is up the ladder with fire bombs until he dies, or you can go for parry/riposte or back stabs.
He's probably strong enough to kill you fairly quickly anyways, so I'd probably ditch enough armor to fast roll
Few more questions then. I've battled my way to some little cathedral it looks like. Found a blacksmith and got some repairs and also upgraded my spear +1. At the moment I've levelled up strength, dexterity, vitality and endurance pretty evenly. I think my build is going to be primary spear + shield, and dual wield rapier/scimitar as an alternative. As a result I'm going to be concentrating on DEX, END and VIT mainly. However, I'm getting some items like shields and axes that require more strength to use. Am I ok pouring some stats into STR or will it nerf me later?
The silver knight spear is probably the spear that you're going to want to end up using, and I think that requires 16 strength. 16 strength should be enough to wield and shield worth using, like grass crest, crest, balder etc.
Second, I'm not sure about these souls I pick up that then appear as usable objects, nor the whole human/hollow transfer.
Anthing short of a boss/named soul, and you should spend it for levels/upgrades.
1. I have 'humanity' as a usable object. I assume if I use this I become a 'human'. This allows me to 'kindle' at bonfires (10 estus flasks) but anyone can then come into my game and behead me at my low level right? Therefore not worth doing until at least I have one playthrough under my belt.
Essentially, yes. It may be worth doing in places where you can use the estus though. Also, depending on your level and where you are, you can summon someone to hang out/help you should someone invade. You can send them home with the black crystal, if I recall correctly if you don't like what therey're doing.
2. I have used a few 'souls of the undead' or something and all these seem to do is add souls to my count. Is this also right?
Yep. the named ones that you'll get from certain bosses can be used to create unique weapons.
3. Last one now, I have a couple of other things in my items like a large titanite shard that can add +5/+10 stats to a weapon/armor but at the blacksmith it didn't let me upgrade past +1 on spear......any ideas why?
You have to upgrade to that +5 level with small titanite shards (it takes an increasing number to get from +1 to +5) and then ascend that weapon (you will need an ember to get to +6) to be able to use large titanite.
4. OK, really last one - what contributes to my weight? I am jangling a lot lately and I'm unsure why. Is it only the items I have in my hands and on my body that count or is it all. For example, I have my scimitar and spear equipped in my right hand to cycle through. Do both these items contribute to my weight or only the one I'm holding?
Everything that you have equipped that has a weight contributes to your burden.
Is it better to lock on and strafe round or free roll?
Locking on is better for pretty much every weapon outside of PVP with a scythe.